Shoulder injuries are relatively common–which makes sense, given how complex your shoulder joint is! Fortunately, physical therapy is an effective treatment option for many common shoulder injuries, helping you to rehabilitate more effectively and, in some cases, avoid surgery or other more invasive treatment methods.
From severe rotator cuff tears to overuse injuries, shoulder injuries can vary in severity but often share similar symptoms, such as pain, restricted range of motion, and loss of function. Through targeted exercises and therapies, the physical therapists at Total Care Physical Therapy can help you regain strength and mobility, reducing pain and preventing future injuries.
But how exactly can you hurt your shoulder? We wanted to provide an overview of three of the most common shoulder injuries we treat at our Hillsborough, NJ clinic and some insight into how we help you rehabilitate from them.
Overuse Injuries of the Shoulder
Overuse injuries in the shoulder are quite common, especially among people who perform repetitive shoulder motions (like throwing athletes or painters). An overuse injury occurs when the shoulder’s muscles, tendons, or bursae are subjected to repetitive strain, leading to irritation and damage over time. These injuries often develop gradually, making them less noticeable at first.
While repetitive movements are the most common reasons people develop overuse injuries, weakness in your shoulder or upper back (which often develops due to poor posture) can make you more susceptible to them. It’s also important to take breaks when performing repetitive movements.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Overuse Injuries
- Shoulder pain during activity that starts mild but will become more intense and persistent if left untreated
- Difficulty moving your shoulder, particularly after periods of rest
- Reduced strength in the shoulder, making it difficult to perform typical tasks
Physical therapy is highly effective in treating overuse injuries. Our therapists will design personalized exercise programs to strengthen the shoulder and improve mobility. Treatment also includes education on proper posture and biomechanics to prevent future injuries.
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep the shoulder joint stable and allow for a wide range of motion. When these tendons tear, it can lead to significant discomfort and functional limitations depending on the severity of the tear.
Rotator Cuff Tear Grades and Their Symptoms
- Mild tears generally result from overuse injuries and cause microscopic tears in the tissue.
- Moderate tears refer to a partial rupture of the tissue, causing much more pain and a sense of weakness in the shoulder. They typically result from an acute injury, such as a fall or lifting something too heavy.
- Severe tears refer to a complete rupture of the tissue, leading to severe pain and significant loss of shoulder function. A severe tear results from an acute injury as well.
Physical therapy alone is sometimes enough to treat a rotator cuff tear. In moderate to severe cases, you may need a rotator cuff repair, a surgical procedure that repairs the damaged tissue. However, physical therapy is essential in helping you rehabilitate and regain full function of your shoulder.
In either case, we’ll utilize manual therapy and modalities to help with pain management and guide you through targeted exercises to restore mobility, strength, and functional movements.
Shoulder Dislocations
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. This injury can be quite painful and usually results from acute trauma, such as falling onto an outstretched arm. Contact sports like football can also cause shoulder dislocations.
Common Signs and Symptoms of a Shoulder Dislocation
- Sudden and severe pain immediately after your injury
- The shoulder may appear visibly out of place
- Swelling and possible bruising around the shoulder area
- Inability to move the shoulder or arm without pain
As with severe rotator cuff tears, most shoulder dislocations require medical intervention (although not always). However, physical therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process afterward. Initially, we’ll help you use a sling or other mobility aids correctly and work with you to reduce pain and inflammation.
As healing progresses, we’ll guide you through exercises to restore shoulder strength, stability, and range of motion. This structured approach helps prevent future dislocations and ensures a more robust recovery.
Need Treatment for a Shoulder Injury? Give Us a Call
Understanding common shoulder injuries and physical therapy’s role in treating them can help ensure you get the treatment you need. If you’re dealing with persistent shoulder pain or require rehabilitation after shoulder surgery, schedule an appointment with Total Care Physical Therapy! We’ll work closely with you to develop a treatment program that suits your needs.
